<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> ESPN.com If Sebastian Telfair, Al Jefferson, Robert Swift and Josh Smith wanted to play 30-plus minutes a game, each would be on the campuses of Louisville, Arkansas, USC and Indiana, respectively, this fall. Instead, they'll each be paid handsomely and on their way to even bigger paydays four years from now. It's safe to say none will look back and say they missed out on the college experience. Jefferson still hasn't signed with an agent but is expected to stay in the draft. "Most kids just want to get into the NBA," said Seagoville High (Texas) center LaMarcus Aldridge, a borderline first-round pick who could still play for Texas next season, but is testing the draft process without an agent. "I can't speak for everyone else, but for me it's about playing time. I would hope I could get in and make an impact. But others see it as their one chance to take advantage of (the draft). Jermaine O'Neal worked his way up and now he's a big-time star. A lot of teams take chances on high school kids."</div> Full Article Good article written by Any Katz.
Yes, nice artcle. A lot of High Schoolers are wanting the big money. Also, they see other successful players who didn't go to college, so they are thinking, why not me?
Also, why would they bother going to college? The reason to go to school is to get a better job. Since they already have that job, why bother going to college?
Yea, I'm thinking that high school kids jump ship to the NBA because they see the opportunity to become big. They see players like Kobe, TMac, Garnett, O'Neal, and recently LeBron, becoming superstars and they think that it could be them next. I do agree with their thought process. A lot of the players jumping to the NBA have the talent to make it big in the NBA. But, whether they do or not has yet to be seen.
If i was in their shoes, i would go to college for at least 2 yrs i would gain respect from everyone for not skipping and have an education if something like an injury ended my career to quickly
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> i would gain respect from everyone for not skipping and have an education if something like an injury ended my career to quickly</div> But what if you get injured in college, and never make millions? These kids will get millions from there contract. Telfair got about 2 million for his shoe deal. What if he went to college, hurt himself and never made it. His family would struggle, but this move helps his family out forever.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">They see players like Kobe, TMac, Garnett, O'Neal, and recently LeBron, becoming superstars and they think that it could be them next.</div> I thought Shaq went to college? I think everyone's dream is to make it to the NBA, why waste time in college risking an injury?
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I thought Shaq went to college?</div> Jermaine O'Neal, not Shaquille.
Well, after thinking about it, i don't think that it's really fair to college applicants if these kids go to college. First of all, its not fair that the ncaa is just a farm system for the nba, thats why i agree with a minor league situation, so that these kids (well, men to me) could develope there, instead of through the ncaa. I just don't think its right to make college the path to the nba, that's not what it is there for.
You learn soo much in college, and honestly what are the odds of a career ending injury?? Probably the same as getting into a plane crash. Then again, some athletes are only trouble prone and make matters worse in college, so they're fed into a worse environment where money is key. Kinda makes me sick.
It doesn't have to be an injury. They could just not be the type of player everyone thought they were. If they go to college, that will be exposed. But if they go to the NBA, and they are being selected on potential, the money is in there pocket.
The article is interesting. It makes me wonder if those guys really are jumping for money. Perhaps a better alternative to an age limit would be salary cut. Make it so college seniors get 100% of the rookie salary, juniors 90%, sophs 80%, Freshman 70% and High Schoolers 50%. But also make it that all lottery picks get 100% of the rookie salary. See how marginal 1st round picks jump then. The nice part about this system is that it allows the top high schoolers to jump in and play. That way the Lebron James' of the world wouldn't be denied the chacne to prove they're ready to play with in L.
I agree with whoever said Prep players should go to college for 2 years. I respect everyone of those who go to college. None really play for the love of the game anymore. It's all about the green. Pisses me off to see them all go for the money thats all. On the otherhand, i guess it's pretty hard to refuse all of the money. But if it were me, I'd go to college, develop my game more and improve my draft status. However, I know others will think different.
